PayPal – The A2 Postinghttps://www.a2hosting.com/blog
The Official Blog for A2 HostingMon, 21 Jan 2019 12:50:39 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.34 of the Best Online Payment Platforms Comparedhttps://www.a2hosting.com/blog/online-payment-platforms/
https://www.a2hosting.com/blog/online-payment-platforms/#respondWed, 07 Nov 2018 20:21:40 +0000https://www.a2hosting.com/blog/?p=5749Whenever you sell goods online, it’s important to choose your payment methods carefully. Different platforms have varying fees, ease of use, and encryption methods. Choosing the wrong platform could result in you overpaying, or even putting your customers at a higher risk of data theft. To help you avoid those problems, we’ve put together a comparison …

]]>Whenever you sell goods online, it’s important to choose your payment methods carefully. Different platforms have varying fees, ease of use, and encryption methods. Choosing the wrong platform could result in you overpaying, or even putting your customers at a higher risk of data theft.

To help you avoid those problems, we’ve put together a comparison of four of the best payment processors you can use. We’ll compare each option in terms of their pros, cons, and pricing structures. That way, you can choose reliable methods that are a strong fit for your needs.

Along the way, we’ll touch on other key factors such as security, ease of use, flexibility, and restrictions. Let’s get moving!

First up, Stripe is a fairly new payment gateway that’s nonetheless become very popular. It features a simple payment structure, works in a variety of countries, and offers a lot of flexibility for business owners and developers alike.

Pros:

Customization. Stripe is the most customizable of all the methods on our list. This includes providing a lot of control over what customer information is collected and stored during each transaction (such as names and mailing addresses).

Extensions. This processor offers a large library of extensions that enable you to set up useful tools, including automatic appointment booking, analytics, and even automated shipping.

Integration. Stripe can be easily integrated into popular platforms such as WordPress and WooCommerce.

Security. When you use Stripe, you’ll benefit from robust encryption and other security features that help to minimize data theft. There’s even a rewards program for programmers who report vulnerabilities.

International availability. Stripe is currently available in 26 countries, and lets you accept payments from anywhere in the world.

Cons:

Learning curve. Unfortunately, Stripe can be somewhat confusing to use, especially for beginners. The simplest way to integrate Stripe with your website in via an embeddable checkout form, but that won’t enable you to take advantage of the processor’s advanced functionality. For that, you may need to look into hiring a developer who can build a tool for you to use, or pay an extra fee for Stripe’s Enterprise package.

Fees:

Stripe’s basic fee structure is 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction. You can contact the company directly for an Enterprise quote.

Recommended For:

Stripe is best suited to companies that need a custom payment setup (such as direct appointment booking), or that want to collect a specific types of data about their customers. Due to its DIY setup, Stripe is also ideal for businesses that have the resources to hire IT help.

Next on our list, Square is an online payment method with a convenient card reader app. It supports both in-person transactions and online payments.

Pros:

Ease of use. It’s easy to set up an online store using Square’s drag-and-drop editor. Plus, there are plenty of tools to integrate with major e-commerce systems like WooCommerce.

Multiple card reader options. Square is very popular with small businesses that need a card reader option for in-person transactions. You can purchase a chip or magstripe reader that plugs easily into a mobile device, saving you time on each transaction.

Email collection. You can use Square to prompt users to sign up for your email newsletter. If a user chooses to receive an email receipt, you will get access to their email address.

Large extension library. As with Stripe, Square has an extension library offering tools such as appointment booking, as well as integration with major platforms such as WordPress.

Cons:

Country restrictions. Square is not available worldwide. Currently, it only serves the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan.

Fees:

Square charges 3.5% + 15 cents for manually-entered card transactions. Although this is a lower fee per transaction than other services offer, if you deal in high-value goods that extra 0.6% can add up quickly.

Recommended For:

Square is best suited to companies that have a need for in-person transactions, don’t require complex e-commerce set ups, or are not particularly tech-savvy. Of course, you’ll also need to do business in one of the countries Square serves.

Pros:

Integration with Content Management Systems (CMSs). Thanks to PayPal’s popularity, there are many options available for integration with popular CMSs. You can either embed a checkout button using HTML, or integrate PayPal on any site using a third-party shopping cart app.

Global availability. Aside from a short list of restricted countries, PayPal is available around the world.

Cons:

Business-unfriendly policies.Some PayPal policies can be unfriendly to certain businesses. For example, its seller protection policy does not cover digital goods. This means that even if you deliver the product as promised, the customer could complain and initiate a chargeback. What’s more, PayPal charges a $20 fee for chargebacks if the product in question isn’t covered by the seller protection policy.

Fees:

Recommended For:

PayPal is best suited to companies that conduct business globally and require a simple payment method, with an option for card reader integration. Companies selling digital goods may want to avoid PayPal, however, due to its chargeback structure.

Time-saving features. Along with the basics, you’ll get access to features such as automatic QuickBooks syncing and invoice generation.

Customization. Developers can integrate Authorize.net technology into their own apps, digital wallets, and more.

Cons:

Restricted countries. Authorize.net is currently only available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and Canada.

Fees:

Authorize.net charges 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction. As with many of the processors on our list, you can also contact the company for an enterprise plan quote.

Recommended For:

Authorize.net is best for small businesses that want to use a card reader, and are also looking for the option to manage payments through an app or a custom tool.

Conclusion

When choosing the payment gateways for your eCommerce site you’ll use, it’s important to weigh each option’s pros and cons carefully. In addition, you’ll want to keep your business’ unique requirements in mind. For example, you’ll need to make sure the solutions you choose are available in any countries where you plan to conduct business, and can integrate with your website’s platform.

To recap, here are four of the most common payment processors you can use:

Stripe: Ideal for businesses that have the resources to hire a developer, Stripe provides flexible and secure payment options.

Square: Very simple to use, Square offers a number of extensions and easy card reader integration.

PayPal: Available globally, PayPal has a wide range of business solutions available, including integration with many website platforms.

Authorize.net: This option combines Square’s ease of use with Stripe’s options for custom development.

Do you have any questions about these online payment methods? Let us know in the comments section below!

]]>https://www.a2hosting.com/blog/online-payment-platforms/feed/0https://www.a2hosting.com/blog/content/uploads/2018/10/cart-on-leaves-150x150.png5 Awesome E-Commerce Plugins for WordPresshttps://www.a2hosting.com/blog/5-awesome-e-commerce-plugins-wordpress/
https://www.a2hosting.com/blog/5-awesome-e-commerce-plugins-wordpress/#respondThu, 02 Feb 2017 18:42:02 +0000http://www.a2hosting.com/blog/?p=1976WordPress – by all accounts – is a powerful and versatile platform, but there are some things it can’t do right out of the box. It can’t, for example, enable you to power an e-commerce store. While the popular Content Management System (CMS) doesn’t include e-commerce functions by default, you can add them through the …

]]>WordPress – by all accounts – is a powerful and versatile platform, but there are some things it can’t do right out of the box. It can’t, for example, enable you to power an e-commerce store.

While the popular Content Management System (CMS) doesn’t include e-commerce functions by default, you can add them through the magic of plugins. With the right tools in hand, you can do anything from accepting payments to handling inventory, all via your WordPress website.

In this article, we’ll explore the concept of WordPress e-commerce plugins and what they can do, then we’ll introduce you to five outstanding examples with different functions. Let’s go shopping!

What WordPress E-Commerce Plugins Are (and Why You Should Use Them)

WordPress plugins are handy tools that enable you to add a host of functions to your site. They run the gamut from simple tweaks to full-on solutions for specific niches.

When we talk about WordPress e-commerce plugins, the first name that comes to mind is WooCommerce. This popular e-commerce tool offers its own extension system which comprises add-ons that enhance the plugin’s functionality.

Aside from WooCommerce, WordPress also provides an extensive collection of other e-commerce plugins. Few, if any, of them offer as many features, but in many cases, users may not need them. If all you want to do is process payments online, for example, installing WooCommerce can be overkill. An example of a much simpler e-commerce plugin is Sell Downloads, which enables users to sell virtual items.

In this particular case, you could gain the same functions by using WooCommerce, but you’d be left with a bunch of features that you wouldn’t use. Sometimes, it’s much more efficient to look for a specialized tool that can provide advanced functions for your unique needs.

In the next section we’ll introduce you to five e-commerce plugins you might not know about, and also talk a bit more about WooCommerce. In case we haven’t featured what you’re looking for, you can also find plenty of options at WordPress.org and CodeCanyon.

5 Top E-Commerce Plugins for WordPress

For this section, we decided to stick with only the highest quality plugins. They all have plenty of downloads, high ratings, and – best of all – are regularly updated. Let’s kick things off with a name you already know.

We’ve already mentioned this plugin quite a few times, but in case you’re unfamiliar with it, here’s what you need to know. WooCommerce offers a full-featured solution for WordPress users looking to get into e-commerce. It enables you to sell physical and virtual items, handle shipping, payments, and inventory.

Key Features:

A complete e-commerce solution which can handle every aspect of the process.

Comes with its own extension system, offering both free and premium options.

Enjoys a broad range of support across most web hosts, thanks to its popularity.

Offers excellent documentation.

Price:

eCommerce Product Catalog is one of the closest alternatives to WooCommerce if you’re looking for a full e-commerce solution. While this plugin only enables you to create a product catalog, it also implements an extension system. Some of the available extensions include support for payment gateways and shopping carts.

Key Features:

Implements a product catalog and displays prices.

Offers a full-fledged extension system for additional functions.

Enables you to specify shipping options for your products.

Includes drag-and-drop functions for customizing your publications.

Comes with two built-in product templates.

Price:

On top of a shopping cart, this plugin provides you with a catalog function and enables you to process payments. That’s everything you need to run an online store using WordPress – with a high level of polish, to boot. However, the free version only supports up to ten products for your store, which might be a dealbreaker.

That being said, if you’re looking for a light alternative to WooCommerce, and don’t mind paying for it, this is a good pick.

Key Features:

Enables you to list and sell products online.

Integrates with multiple payment gateways.

iOS and Android apps enable you to manage your store on the go.

Price:

This handy little plugin enables you to add products to your store, as well as offering a shopping cart function. It doesn’t provide much in terms of customization, but it’s perfect for small online stores selling digital products or services. As you might infer from its name, the plugin only works with PayPal, so keep that in mind before installing it.

Key Features:

Lists products on your website and has the option of a shopping cart function.

Price:

When it comes to e-commerce, it doesn’t get much simpler than PayPal Buy Now Button. This straightforward plugin enables you to create payment buttons for predetermined products or services, and process their payments. It’s a great fit for sites that don’t have ample product catalogs.

Key Features:

Adds a Buy Now button anywhere you want on your site.

Includes the option to configure each button to charge specific amounts depending on the product or service you’re offering.

Price:

Conclusion

While WordPress wasn’t built with e-commerce in mind, nothing is stopping you from adding the necessary functions to the CMS using plugins. Whether you need a complete online store or the odd shopping feature or two, there’s bound to be a plugin solution that fits your needs.

If you’re not sure where to get started with WordPress e-commerce plugins, check out the five picks we’ve talked about in this post:

WooCommerce: A full-featured e-commerce solution for all types of stores.